A study conducted by Western University researchers found that hemp bioplastics make suitable packaging material. The study showed that hemp is more biodegradable than polyethylene materials. Hemp bio-composites provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional recycling programs that attempt to reduce plastic refuse buildup. The study published in The Journal of Polymer Science explains potential hemp fiber applications.
Strength and malleability tests indicate that the hemp-based material does not meet benchmarks in conventional plastics. However, hemp is more durable and malleable than plant-based materials like bamboo. Many manufacturers make traditional plastics with high-density polyethylene pellets, but the research team substituted powder made by grinding up hemp stems for plastic. They incorporated the hemp powder directly into the manufacturing process currently used to create packaging.
The study found that the processing and the incorporation of hemp did not substantially influence the thermal properties of the polymers. The researchers observed that hemp reinforced the stiffness of the materials and reduced their elasticity.
Hemp’s structure offers benefits that other conventional materials do not. According to WU chemistry professor and study author Dr. Elizabeth Gilllies, “When it comes to packaging, plastic replaces things like metal and glass. Those are heavy and expensive. Depending on the shape, hemp can have a fibrous structure, which works great as a reinforcement for materials.” Further studies will investigate the best uses for hemp’s fibrous structure.
Although hemp fiber demonstrates significant potential as an input for bioplastics, it is more costly to produce biomaterials than plastics made from nonrenewable resources. Hemp plastic production can cost twice as much as plastic production using petroleum. As technological advances emerge, companies can maximize hemp plastic production processes and lower costs. Researchers anticipate that hemp bioplastics will face opposition from plastic manufacturers that use petroleum.
Sources: Hemp Today, Journal of Polymer Science
